Pakistan’s Aleem Dar, one of the most respected figures in world cricket, has stepped down from the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, concluding a remarkable 19-year journey at the top level.
The 58-year-old veteran holds the world record for most international matches officiated, having stood in 435 men’s internationals — comprising 144 Tests, 222 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 69 T20 Internationals.
Dar’s illustrious umpiring career began on the ICC Elite Panel in 2002, and just a year later, he was officiating at the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. Over the next two decades, he became a regular and respected presence in the biggest cricketing contests across formats.
In a statement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) lauded Dar’s contribution to the game, noting that his retirement marks the end of an era. His calm demeanor, sound judgment, and consistency earned him the ICC Umpire of the Year award three times consecutively from 2009 to 2011.
Aleem Dar’s legacy is etched in the history of cricket umpiring, inspiring a generation of officials across the globe.
